LifeSpan TR1200i (Folding)

LifeSpan TR1200i (Folding)

Well-built yet affordable, the LifeSpan TR1200i treadmill is a highly recommended buy. This home treadmill has an incline, is loaded with workout options, saves exercise data for easy tracking online, and even provides speakers to blast your MP3s. Read on to learn why this folding treadmill has won multiple awards from professional treadmill reviewers and consumer groups.

Intensity Options: In addition to choosing from 15 incline levels, trainees can choose three intensity levels for the preset programs.

Good Belt Quality: Since it’s two-ply and moves along wide rollers, this belt is more durable than that of other starter treadmills. It’s supported by shock absorbers and a cushioned deck.

Good Belt Length: The 20” x 56” treadbelt is long enough for most people’s walking and jogging strides. Some people will need a longer track for running though. Longer tracks are available on other LifeSpan treadmills in this series.

Motorized Incline: LifeSpan equipped the TR1200i exercise ramp with more than enough power. That’s important since some brands choose weak motors that don’t endure. Fifteen incline levels are available.

Powerful Motor: The 2.5 CHP motor with lifetime warranty is equivalent to other brands’ 2.25 HP motors. It provides ample power for long jogs and doesn’t cause the track to stutter during speed changes.

High Speed: This treadmill’s top speed is 11 mph. Most treadmills top out at 10 mph.

Data Storage: The unique treadmill feature saves data about workouts (calorie burn, heart rate, etc.) to a USB. A trainee can then go online to view detailed reports about his or her exercise and get customized workout plans.

Audio Entertainment: High-fidelity speakers, a headphone jack and an iPod port help make time fly on the TR1200i.

Compact Size: Fold this machine vertically to save room. When folded it requires only 39″ x 33″ of floor space.

Very Good Warranty: Customers get lifetime protection on the frame and motor, three years on parts and one year of labor.

What We Don’t Like

No Fan: You’re bound to overheat without a fan, so be sure to plug one in alongside this treadmill.

A Paid Service: LifeSpan’s data tracking service is only provided for four months with new LifeSpan treadmills. After that, you need to pay for a subscription. This is mildly annoying – they get you hooked and then you pay! But we admit that the availability of customized workouts through the site is worth the low subscription fee. A lifetime membership costs just $69.

Our Verdict

We’re big fans of this LifeSpan treadmill and its fancier siblings (the TR3000i, TR4000i and so forth). The built-in routines are definitely above-average and $69 is a low price to pay for a lifetime of additional customized workouts. We also like the incline; it makes a big difference in terms of speeding up the calorie burn process and toning different muscle groups.

Unless you’re a tall runner or exceed 300 pounds, this machine will fit you well. See the more expensive LifeSpan treadmills if a higher-capacity treadmill than the TR1200i is needed.